http://darrenrush.com random thoughts on the interweb Tue, 03 Aug 2010 19:09:49 +0000 http://backend.userland.com/rss092 en I've recently been giving advice to some pre-launch startups about their user interface and initial set of features.  After re-reading one of the emails I sent, it seemed to me that the concepts are pretty universal and maybe apply to your project. Less Is More. If you can remove features from ... http://darrenrush.com/2010/07/simplifying-the-user-experience-for-your-initial-launch/ Entrepreneurs form peer groups which provide a trusted circle of support and constructive criticism for each other. Often, this peer group is used as a sounding board for new ideas - sometimes bad ideas. The protocol for providing critical, constructive criticism is an oft-overlooked aspect of being an active and ... http://darrenrush.com/2010/04/dont-call-my-baby-ugly-actually-do/ It seems outrageous to me that the Federal government could not find the technical know-how, time, or dollars to invest in allowing US Citizens to complete the 2010 Census online. Such efforts would have saved on printing, postage, cut down on paper, saved fuel for distribution, provided instantaneous results, ... http://darrenrush.com/2010/03/us-government-unable-to-get-the-2010-census-online-who-wants-to-team-up-for-a-weekend-and-show-them-how-to-do-it/ After researching and working on various landing page optimization projects, I've compiled a checklist, if you want to design your own effective landing pages to optimize conversions: Large, clear, concise Primary Headline Large, germane product shot when appropriate Large, direct Call To Action (CTA) above the fold Multiple additional CTAs throughout the page Minimize off-page ... http://darrenrush.com/2009/12/landing-page-optimization-checklist/ For the first 18 months I've owned an iPhone, I've been able to see past the shortcomings of the service, but I've had a change of heart towards the lacking service.  Changing expectations, history with a more reliable provider/phone, and a few specific incidents where service quality (dropped calls, missed ... http://darrenrush.com/2009/10/t-mobile-vs-att-iphone-service-quality-santa-monica/ Viruses infect w/o consent, Addicted users are complicit - is it time to retire 'Viral Marketing' in favor of 'Addictive UX'? [caption id="" align="aligncenter" width="500" caption="Addiction by / Arthur Tsao Photography"][/caption] http://darrenrush.com/2009/09/viral-marketing-vs-addictive-ux/ Had a great time at WordcampLA. I expect this might the first of quite a few events. Congrats to Austin and the rest of the folks that helped made it happen. As promised here's a copy of the presentation I gave. Learn it, live it, know ... http://darrenrush.com/2009/09/cloud-powered-wordpress-performance-search-and-user-experience/ Yes, when it comes to displays, bigger is (almost) always better. Here's a little helper to see when 'break-out' deals show up, so you know when to upgrade. Screen diagonal and price You need to upgrade your Flash Player ... http://darrenrush.com/2009/08/monitor-prices-at-newegg/ This tip is a '2 For One' - it's a neat trick to help you practice the power of positive thinking to achieve life goals, while helping you create strong passwords for websites to make your online identity more secure.  Never forget a password again. Here are the steps: Write down ... http://darrenrush.com/2009/05/3-steps-to-achieve-your-goals-and-create-better-online-passwords/ Steve Jobs has completed the third chapter of what I see as a 4-part story to take over entertainment. In chapter 1, he built a little film company called Pixar that helped a bigger company Disney stay relevant during an otherwise tough time for the mouse.  Since Pixar's films represented the ... http://darrenrush.com/2009/05/tv-apples-next-conquest-its-the-buttons-stupid/